Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a very serious medical condition that causes inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is caused by a reaction to drugs. Some types of drugs that are known to cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome are antibiotics (penicillin and sulfa), anti-convulsants, and pain relievers.
Prescription pain relievers like Bextra (valdecoxib), Celebrex (Celecoxib) and Daypro, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Motrin, Children's Motrin, and Advil), have been reported to have caused Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Cocaine has recently been added to this list of drugs. Stevens-Johnson syndrome can also be caused by illness or infections. Between 25% and 50% of cases are from undetermined causes.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome affects the mucus membranes. Since mucus membranes are present in many parts of the body, such as the eyes, digestive system, lungs, and respiratory system, Stevens-Johnson syndrome can have a profound impact on the human body.
Technically, Stevens-Johnson syndrome is an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity (allergic) condition. The first line of defense is the removal of the allergen that has caused Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Identifying the culprit can be difficult, but basically all drugs that could possibly have caused Stevens-Johnson syndrome should be stopped. The patient should then be treated much like a burn victim. Those who suffer with Stevens-Johnson syndrome often have severe loss of fluid so immediate treatment should include fluid replacement and
electrolyte correction.
Unfortunately, at this time there is no known cure or treatment to prevent the progression of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and there are many cases in litigation against drug companies at this time.
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